Born in Varanasi, British India
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai
Deceasedकृष्णप्रसाद भट्टराई
Also known as Kishunji, Santa Neta
Twice Prime Minister of Nepal, led the 1990 interim government that restored multi-party democracy
About
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai spent nearly 14 years in prison. He was jailed for opposing the autocratic Panchayat system that King Mahendra had imposed. He emerged as one of the most senior and trusted leaders of the Nepali Congress.
After the 1990 pro-democracy movement, he led the interim government. This government oversaw Nepal’s first free elections in three decades. It also oversaw the drafting of a new democratic constitution.
He returned as Prime Minister in 1999. Internal feuding, ongoing conflict, within his party forced his resignation after nine months. Throughout his career, he was known for a strict anti-corruption stance. This earned him the nickname “Santa Neta,” or saint leader.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1924-12-13
- Birthplace
- Varanasi, British India
- Profession
- Politician, Journalist, Novelist
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 2011-03-04
Previous roles
Prime Minister of Nepal
Government of Nepal · 1999-05-31–2000-03-22
Interim Prime Minister of Nepal
Government of Nepal · 1990-04-19–1991-05-26
President of the Nepali Congress
Nepali Congress · 1976-02-12–1996-05-11
1st Speaker of the House of Representatives
Parliament of Nepal · 1959-07-03–1960-12-15
Career & life timeline
- 1924
- 1960
Imprisoned for nearly 14 years for opposing King Mahendra's autocratic Panchayat system
- 1990-04
Became interim Prime Minister following the pro-democracy Jana Andolan movement
- 1991
Oversaw Nepal's first free multi-party elections in three decades and a new democratic constitution
- 1999-05
Became Prime Minister for a second time after the Nepali Congress won elections
- 2011
Died in Lalitpur at age 86
Achievements
Led Nepal's first free elections in three decades
1991First Speaker of Nepal's House of Representatives
1959
Awards & honours
Nepal Ratna
Organizations & affiliations
- Nepali Congress
Last updated: 2026-09-06